May 8, 2006 ( 06-107)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Contact: Stan Whitley, (785) 296-3585

KDOT Selects FY 2008 Transportation Enhancement Projects

The Kansas Department of Transportation has selected 18 projects for inclusion in its Transportation Enhancement program for Federal Fiscal Year 2008.

Total cost for the selected projects was $9.73 million. KDOT had received 61 applications from local units of government for Transportation Enhancement program funding consideration.

“The Transportation Enhancement program provides federal highway funds for projects that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic or environmental value of our transportation system,” said KDOT Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller. “This program has been very popular in the state and these improvements couldn't have happened without local partners and KDOT working together.”

Many communities that apply for Transportation Enhancement projects show their commitment by providing at least 20 percent of the funding to help make their project become a reality.

 “Funding is becoming tighter for all levels of government so that is no small commitment,” said Miller. “Without a willingness to share the costs, these important projects would not happen.”

Transportation Enhancement projects under this federal program fall into three major program categories. They include Historic, Pedestrian/Bicycle and Scenic/Environmental projects.

Examples of Historic category projects include: acquisition of historic sites; historic highway programs (including tourist and welcome center facilities); historic - preservation; rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities; archaeological planning and research; and the establishment of transportation museums.

Pedestrian and Bicycle category examples include: facilities for pedestrians and bicycles; pedestrian or bicycle trails; and safety/educational activities for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Scenic and Environmental category examples include: acquisition of scenic easements and scenic sites; scenic highway programs; landscaping and other scenic beautification; control and removal of outdoor advertising; and environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff.

The 18 selected projects and their sponsors are listed below.

Bike/Pedestrian

Derby - Trail on Woodlawn Boulevard from Market Street to Chet Smith Avenue and on Chet Smith Avenue from Woodlawn Boulevard to Garnett Park; Mission – Trail along Martway Drive from Metcalf Avenue to Roe Avenue; Liberal – Trail from 15th Street to Cottonwood Street, Cottonwood Street to Seward County Community College, Cottonwood Street to New York Street and New York Street to 11th Street; Olathe – On road bicycle lanes on 127th Street; Parsons – Bicycle-pedestrian safety program; Topeka – Trail from 28th and Fairlawn to 29th and McClure.

Historic

Kansas State Historical Society – Fort Hays State historic site interior restoration; Kansas State Historical Society – Grinter Place interior restoration; Lawrence – Brick Street restoration on Ohio Street from Sixth to Eight Street; Strong City – Complete restoration of Strong City Santa Fe Depot.

Scenic/Environmental

Anderson County – Maintenance, signage and grounds beautification of historic Spencer Bridge; Augusta – Streetscape, decorative brick, sidewalks and landscaping; Eudora – Streetscape, sidewalk, curb and gutter and decorative brick; Gardner – Enhance wayside park denoting division of Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails; Hays – Construction of Tourist Information Center; Newton – Relocate perimeter fencing, eliminate existing vegetation, site preparation and reseeding in a 3.5-acre area southwest of the I-135 and K-15 interchange; Onaga – Streetscape, curb and gutter, sidewalks and landscaping; Lincoln County – Improvements to encourage tourism to area surrounding Spillman Creek double arch bridge.

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